He was born Nov. 4, 1925, in Celina, to Russ and Mable Gaus Davis. On May 8, 1947, he married Virginia L. Grunden, who survives.

Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Margaret Grunden, Montezuma; and a brother-in-law, Gail (Doris) Grunden, Celina.

Deceased are a daughter, Tess Ann Davis, and a brother, brother-in-law, Jimmie Grunden.

He graduated from Celina High School in 1943 and Ohio Northern University in 1956. He received a masters of divinity from Vanderbilt University, became a Methodist church deacon in 1957, received an Ohio minister license in 1958, and became a Methodist church elder in 1960.

He ministered in churches in Ohio City, Harpster, North Hampton, Union City, Meeker, Forest and Wapakoneta.

He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of Celina VFW Post.